These sumptuous oval armorial glass paintings were used as marvellous ostentatious coaching panels . At the end of the 18 th century , and in the early 19 th century , the arms of a Peer of the realm were frequently depicted upon a 'mantle' that is his parliamentary robe of estate . The possession of which was a matter of privilege and to be shown off in the emblazonment of arms on carriage panels . In this period , almost all the painted armorials executed for carriages , chariots and state coaches for Peers , were shown upon the background of the mantle . Its use became universal .
Many of the now famous 18 th century academic artists began their careers as painter / craftsmen whose stock in trade included painting the coats of arms on carriages . Charles Catton R.A ( 1728 - 1798 ) is listed 'in early life a coach and sign painter' and John Baker R.A ( 1731 - 1771 ) 'a famous flower-painter , decorated coach panels with borders and wreaths of flowers' . Both Thomas Wright of Liverpool and Richard Smirke R.A ( 1778 - 1815 ) began their careers apprenticed to sign and coach painters . It is reasonable to say therefore that these panels are indeed works of art .